September 2021

Introduction: Developmental Defects of Enamel (DDEs) comprise qualitative and/or quantitative changes to the enamel during amelogenesis. The aetiology of DDE remains inconclusive. Aim: To determine the association of pre, peri, and postnatal factors with the presence of DDE. Design: Cross-sectional study with 353 children (8 to 11 years-old) in a Brazilian town. Methods: One calibrated dentist assessed DDE using the Developmental Defects of Enamel Index and a questionnaire collected medical and sociodemographic data. Main outcomes: Children with at least one type of DDE were categorized into the DDE group. Subtypes of DDE were also recorded. Results: 63.1% of children had at least one type of DDE. Diffuse opacity was present in 36.7%, demarcated opacity in 14.8%, and hypoplasia in 5.83% of the children. In multivariate analysis, demarcated opacities and hypoplasia were associated with birth weight < 2500g (OR = 4.82; 95% CI 1.23-1.95). Conclusion: Low birth weight predicted DDE. Keywords: Growth and Development, Dental Enamel Hypoplasia, teeth abnormalities, Tooth Hypomineralization, Odontogenesis Prenatal Injuries, Neonatal Diseases